The Bengals and coach Marvin Lewis might be the most highly-regarded 8-8 team and coach in NFL history. In three of Lewis’s four years in Cincinnati, the Bengals have finished a mediocre 8-8, yet have managed to collect accolades as one of the league’s up-and-coming operations.
As year five of Lewis’s tenure unfolds, the biggest question remains essentially the same: when are the Bengals going to field a defense that the offense can be proud of? If Lewis weren’t a defensive-oriented coach, the defensive shortcomings could be overlooked. But in his first four years, the Bengals have finished 28th, 19th, 28th and 30th on defense, not the kind of progress that promises an inevitable Super Bowl.
Until the defense can hold its own in a division with two defenses — Baltimore and Pittsburgh — in the top 10, the Bengals can’t hope for much more than win-some, lose-some seasons. When you score 41 points at home against San Diego and lose 49-41, it can become a morale issue.
At the beginning of a new season, Lewis is especially concerned about finishing. The Bengals failed to hold leads and were outscored 199-176 in second halves. After climbing to 8-5, they lost their last three games of the season and missed the playoffs.
Hotseat
The Bengals lost guard Eric Steinbach to rival Cleveland but are counting on second-year giant Andrew Whitworth to take up the slack. Whitworth started 12 games as a rookie for injured Levi Jones at left tackle and acquitted himself well enough for the Bengals not to pursue Steinbach in earnest. At 6-7, 339, Whitworth fits into a front that is vital to the protection of Palmer. Center Rich Braham retired, leaving the job to Eric Ghiaciuc, who started 13 games. For depth, the Bengals added former Arizona starter Alex Stepanovich.
Overheard
Versatile running back Chris Perry has been injury-plagued and won’t be ready because of ankle rehabilitation. Besides leading the team in kickoff returns, Perry was an excellent change-of-pace back for Rudi Johnson as well as an effective third-down back. Second-round draft choice Kenny Irons will have to hit training camp running to give the Bengals the 1-2 punch they need. Kenny Watson hasn’t been a bad alternative, but the Bengals are hoping Irons can add explosiveness.
Outlook
They’re a dangerous team, tough for anyone to face because of their offensive firepower. Palmer is on the verge of a real breakout after posting big numbers despite coming off a serious knee injury. After an offseason of health, he should be ready for bigger things. He could have a Manning-type year and carry the team on his back.
Cincinnati Bengals NFL 2012 Live Stream
